dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

National Dog Bite Prevention Week takes place the second week of April every year so we put together this infographic with statistics on dog bites in the United States for our readers.Dog Bite Prevention You'll notice that some of the reasons dogs bite include fear or pain, resource guarding or re-directing their aggression. A couple of things you can do to help prevent dog bites include educating yourself on dog behavior and learning their nonverbal cues for potential aggression. You c …

The scruff, the loose skin around a dog’s neck, plays a vital role in canine behavior and communication. From a young age, dogs experience interactions involving the scruff, primarily through their mothers. A mother dog uses the scruff to carry her puppies, keeping them safe and under control. This natural action is instinctively understood by puppies, who go limp when carried in this manner, trusting their mother’s guidance.For humans, however, the scruff presents a more complex subject. While …

While we're all aware our dogs should know basic commands, sometimes we need a reminder on why certain commands are so important and how they can even save a dog's life. These commands are not just for show; they form the foundation of good behavior and safety for our furry friends. This is my list of the top 5 commands I believe all dogs should know and respond to. If you have additional commands to add to the list, please mention them in the comments. Your input can help other dog owne …

With countless options ranging from grain-free kibble to raw diets, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Adding to the complexity is the fact that each dog has unique dietary needs based on factors like breed, age, activity level, and health conditions.  A well-rounded approach to feeding your dog involves more than just choosing the right commercial food. It includes incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits, ensuring adequate protein intake, monitoring weight, and providing proper hydration. …

When I foster dogs, it would be great to have a leash that says “ADOPT ME” to let people know the cute dog at my side is looking for a home. I like to take my foster dogs out and about to public places to get them attention, but I’m shy about starting conversations with strangers. This type of leash could help me get a conversation going with potential adopters. dogIDs is now offering Embroidered Awareness Dog Leashes. These nylon leashes come in highly visible colors and you can ch …

Should My Puppy Bite?If you've ever been nipped by a playful puppy, you know how bad those little teeth can hurt. It's also important that we teach our puppies not to bite so they don't continue to do so as they grow up. The following are some tips to teach your puppy appropriate manners.Stop a Puppy from Biting1. Rotate which toys are available.One way to prevent your puppy from biting you is to keep lots of interesting chew toys available. Each puppy will have different toy preferences, but tr …

What Do You Do When a Dog Charges you? You’ve probably been out walking your dog, minding your own business, when someone’s off-leash dog charges you. While this is often annoying, it’s usually no big deal as long as both dogs are friendly. But what if your dog isn’t friendly? Or, what if the approaching dog isn’t friendly? The following are some tips on possible ways to handle an approaching dog, keeping in mind that every situation is different. What not to do when you see an off-leash …

Could you use a new collar for your puppy? While standard collars are lovely, customized nameplate collars are the way to go. These collars provide dog owners with tremendous advantages you’ll get excited to learn about. Continue reading to explore three benefits of nameplate dog collars. Name Plate Collars Are QuietAre you tired of the noisy jingle you hear from traditional ID tags? You can hear the rattling when your pup is drinking or eating. Every movement is a chance for the tag to ping aga …

"Separation anxiety" is a phrase that's often used when a dog becomes anxious when left alone. Some dogs with separation anxiety will bark all day when left alone. Others are so nervous they have accidents, and some dogs will destroy property in an attempt to get out of the house.On the other hand, just because your dog is acting this way does not necessarily mean he has true "separation anxiety." It could just be that he's bored or that he's not fully potty trained like you thought. Or maybe he …

Today is National Dog Day, a day where we celebrate man's best friend and bring awareness to the many worthy dogs that need a home.  Dogs are great companions,  always there to comfort us when we're sad and make us laugh with their antics. They deserve some appreciation! With that in mind, here are the top 5 things you can do today to celebrate. National Dog Day1) Adopt a Dog Obviously this doesn't work for everyone, but if you've been thinking about it and have yet to …